Vietnam’s future looks nuclear

CA - Nuclear power was the best option for producing electricity in Viet Nam beyond 2020, a Government organized tele-conference agreed on Nov 20.

Participants were told that supplies of oil and gas were expected to run out in 10 years - and water supplies for hydro power were fully utilized.

The conference centered around the planned Ninh Thuan nuclear power project and the Lai Chau hydro power project.

It focused on the relocation of villagers whose homes will be inundated, infrastructure work, and safety and environmental issues.

Participants said the Lai Chau plant would not only be an important source of power but, during the dry season, would supply water for the Hong (Red) River delta.

But, most importantly, they felt it would considerably improve the socio-economic development for the two north-western provinces of Lai Chau and Dien Bien, especially the Muong Te District where the plant would be located.

The conference noted the role the project would play in maintaining security at the north-western region.

As the Lai Chau hydro power plant is the third on the Da River, it has been studied by Government experts and others from outside Viet Nam to make sure it run safely.

A representative from Lai Chau Provincial People’s Committee said his province had paid special attention to relocating villagers and was determined that their new living conditions would be better.

Discussing the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant, participants reached consensus that it would enable Viet Nam to develop nuclear power for peaceful objectives.

"But the plant must be safe and efficient," they said.

A representative from Electricity of Viet Nam (EVN) said demand for electricity would increase rapidly in the future.

By 2020, Viet Nam’s coal and natural gas is expected to be exhausted and water to produce hydro electricity will be fully utilised.

He said this was why it was necessary to find other sources to generate electricity, and nuclear power was one of several options.

The EVN representative said having a nuclear power plant would be the best option.